Overview
Reaching Everest Base Camp by helicopter is one of the most exhilarating expeditions any traveller would wish to have in their holiday package, as it enables them to travel around Mount Everest quickly. The Everest Base camp trek is usually long and may take as long as two weeks. For instance, this helicopter tour makes it easier and more comfortable, allowing a variety of individuals from different backgrounds to experience it. This tour suits those who are restricted in time, have physical limitations, or have different attitudes toward enjoying the striking beauty of the Himalayas.
The tour starts in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. Here, a tour guide or travel agent will brief you with all the necessary information about the trip. Then, you will be transported to a helicopter, flying you over the various challenging grounds of the Khumbu region. You will disembark at specific points, such as Lukla for refuelling, Everest View Hotel at Syangboche for breakfast at the world’s highest point, and a temporary stop at Pheriche for the Everest and Kalapathar flyover trip.
The Journey Begins: Kathmandu to Lukla
This day is relatively smooth as it starts early in the morning, and our staff or agent will pick you up at your hotel and drive you to the domestic airport in Kathmandu. The exciting trip starts the moment you get onto the helicopter, anticipating the exhilarating trip ahead and the main goal – to reach the embrace of the Himalayas. As the helicopter picks up altitude, a striking view of the densely populated urban city of Kathmandu Valley will be visible. As the helicopter moves forward, the scene changes. The urban scenery will disappear, and Nepal’s mountain and hilly region will become visible on the horizon. It takes around 45 minutes from Kathmandu to reach Lukla Airport, the starting point of the Everest mission.
Lukla’s Tenzing-Hillary Airport is built between two peaks and has one of the world’s most challenging terrains, with elevations of 2,860 meters (9,383 feet). The helicopter stops briefly at Lukla Airport to refuel, and passengers can get down for a few minutes to experience the high-altitude air.
Tengboche Flyover: Ultimate Spiritual Sight
The Tengboche flyover is one of the most unique parts of this trip. You will witness a beautiful ancient Buddhist monastery built atop a ridge in the middle of a blooming rhododendron forest surrounded by magnificent mountains of the great Himalayas. The colourful monastery with a prayer flag surrounded by a great mountain covered by snow is truly an amazing sight, just like the scene from a dream. The view of Tengbouche Monastery has a rousing effect on one, even when one is in the sky. This is a religious place where climbers come to get blessings for good luck before climbing the world’s highest peak. This shows the prestige it has assumed in Sherpa culture, considering the many communities it is central to.
Lukla to Pheriche
After refuelling at Lukla, the helicopter will take off towards Pheriche, flying through the magnificent view of Tenghboche monastery. Namche Bazaar, dense and beautiful Rhododendron forest, surrounding Himalayan ranges, and Mount Everest can be seen from the window.
Everest Base Camp Kalapathar flyover: Ultimate legendary sight
After reaching Pheriche, the helicopter will take only two people at a time to the EBC and Kalapathar flyover. As the aircraft moves towards Kalapathar, a beautiful view of the legendary Mount Everest, standing at 8848 meters from sea level, can be seen up close. It’s an attractive opportunity to observe the greatness of Khumbu Glacier, the biggest glacier in Nepal and the world’s highest glacier, standing at 24,900 feet.
Mount Everest Base Camp measures about 5,364 meters (17,598 feet) above sea level, and it is the initial point for the climbers before heading up to the summit. During the climbing season, base camp is more like a market selling colourful equipment and gathering climbers from all over the world preparing to climb Mount Everest. During the helicopter tour, you will fly through a proper vantage point near the base camp, where you can feel the beauty of the Himalayas.
(The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal has restricted helicopter landing on Kalapathar and Everest Base Camp)
Everest View Hotel: Breakfast at the highest point in the world
After taking off from Pheriche, the helicopter flies towards Syangboche, where Everest View Hotel is located, on a small plateau at 3,780 meters (12,402ft). This is one of the most interesting points of this tour, during which passengers can have breakfast at the world’s highest point after the landing.
The hotel provides a pleasant dining area with large windows open to panoramic views of Mount Everest and neighbouring mountains. On a clear morning, you can also see the majestic Mount Everest as you savour your meal.
The Everest View Hotel is surrounded by a stunning Himalayan range, which includes Mount Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and other giant mountains.
The Everest View Hotel is a luxury hotel in the Himalayan range that offers a view of Mount Everest. It was constructed in the 1970s and is located 7,222 feet above sea level. The hotel also holds the record as the world’s only hotel located at such an altitude.
Returning to Kathmandu: A Scenic Flight Back
After breakfast, the helicopter takes off to Kathmandu, flying over Kalapathar and EBC. The return flight will also provide another chance to see the beautiful scenery of the Khumbu area, including ancient Buddhist monasteries and traditional Sherpa villages. The flight back to Kathmandu takes about 45 minutes to one hour, including a brief stop at Lukla for refuelling.
As you approach the Kathmandu Valley, the view of the Himalayas starts fading, and a modern landscape greets you. Upon arrival at the domestic terminal in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to the hotel, which will be a memory of what you have ever dreamed of experiencing.
Why you should take the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour?
Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour has multiple advantages, making it one of the best experiences in life.
Time-Efficient:
The helicopter tour allows one to experience the EBC and the magnificent Himalayan Mountains in a single day. This makes the trip perfect for those with little time or who cannot undertake rigorous trekking.
Comfort and Convenience:
Compared with trekking, which may be tiring and often demands acclimatization, the helicopter tour is no difficulty as it is relatively comfortable, thus making the trip comfortable and enjoyable.
Breathtaking Aerial Views
From the bird’s-eye view acquired from the helicopter, one can appreciate the true beauty of the Himalayan Mountains. The views from the helicopter are stunning and provide a broad view of the surroundings that cannot be possible on the ground.
Accessibility
A helicopter tour is recommended for those who want to skip or have difficulty covering the distance by traditional trekking to Everest Base Camp. It is an exciting experience regardless of whether you are a regular tourist or if it is your first time visiting the area.
Exclusive Experience
The helicopter tour is unique. It is inclusive, and people are offered a ride in small groups, which makes it more exciting. The tour is also quite flexible; you can organize it according to your liking.
Preparing for the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour
Even though the Everest Base Camp helicopter tour is pretty straightforward, a few things should be kept in mind to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Altitude Considerations
The tour involves moving to a high altitude, which brings you face-to-face with the Everest base camp and Kalapathar, which are over 5000m above sea level. Although all measures are taken to ensure that the guests on the tour do not suffer from altitude sickness, one should be familiar with the symptoms and move according to how the body is feeling. If you have any problems with high altitude, you’d better consult your physician before the tour.
Weather Conditions
The climatic conditions of the Himalayas are very unsteady, and the tour will depend on the weather conditions. Flights can be delayed or cancelled depending on the weather forecast, so it is recommended to be more relaxed with the schedule. It is, therefore, advisable to go for the helicopter tour during the early spring from March to May and during the early autumn from September to November when the weather is moderate.
What to Wear
Dress appropriately for the tour due to the harsh cold conditions, especially at higher altitudes, regardless of the time of year. Layered clothing is ideal, and a warm jacket, gloves, a hat, and sunglasses are perfect to have with you. Comfortable and robust shoes are also necessary, especially when planning an on-foot tour during the stopovers.
Camera and Photography
The suggested Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour is one of the most fascinating spots on the planet from a photogenic viewpoint. Make sure to carry a good-quality camera.
Conclusion
Landing in Everest Base Camp by helicopter is a beautiful adventure for adventure seekers who do not compromise comfort. It opens views to spectacular scenes, not only of the highest peaks in the world but also of something few have experienced standing right under Mount Everest.
It is such an expedition that perfectly balances the raw, untamed beauty of the Everest region with comfort and ease because of the modern travelling system. An Everest helicopter tour will provide you with the event of a lifetime that only a few mountaineers have had the opportunity to experience.
